Campaign Finance

“Members’ PACs Test Unregulated Spending” by Eliza Newlin Carney in Roll Call.

“Harvard Law professor talks campaign finance corruption” by Ben Atlas in the Michigan Daily.

South Carolina: “Groups calling for probe into Harrell spending” by Meg Kinnard (Associated Press) in the Spartanburg Herald-Journal.

Ethics

“Texas Ethics Commission fines Texas Rep. Allen Fletcher” by Caleb Harris in the Tomball Magnolia Tribune.

“Edward Wasserman: TV ‘watchdogs’ quiet as political ad cash rolls in” by Edward Wasserman in the Bellingham Herald.

South Carolina: “This year’s ‘hot’ SC campaign issue? Ethics” by Adam Beam in The State.

Elections

“Across the electoral map, a mixed picture for candidates down the ballot” by Karen Tumulty in the Washington Post.

National:

Selling Votes is Common Type of Election Fraud

Federal:

For Election Losers, Many Paths through the Political Wilderness

Medical Research Funding Tied to Advocacy, Study Finds

From the States and Municipalities:

Arkansas

Americans for Prosperity Puts Big Money on Legislative Races in Arkansas

Illinois

Emanuel Replaces Ethics Board

Maine

Supreme Court Won’t Hear Appeal by Anti-Gay Marriage in Maine Case

Massachusetts

Native Americans Chafe at Brown-Warren Race

Minnesota

Campaign Finance Board Rules Minnesota Majority’s Dan McGrath Did Not Break Lobbying Rules

Montana

Judge Tosses Montana Campaign Finance Limits

Nevada

Nevada Secretary of State Seeks More Campaign Disclosure, Restrictions in Aurora Act

Oregon

Oregon Supreme Court Refuses to Limit Campaign Spending

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Voter ID Law Shouldn’t Be Enforced This Time, Judge Rules

Rhode Island

Ethics Commission Sets Hearing on Disclosure of Paid Trips for Officials

State and Federal Communications produces a weekly summary of national news, offering more than 80 articles per week focused on ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance.

News You Can Use is a news service provided at no charge only to clients of our online Executive Source Guides, or ALERTS™ consulting clients.

Campaign Finance

“Freshmen rake in cash through PACs” by Kevin Bogardus and Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.

Connecticut: “When a candidate’s spouse is powerful, the goal of a campaign donation can be … complicated” by Ana Radelot in the CT Mirror.

Minnesota: “Campaign finance board rules Minnesota Majority’s Dan McGrath did not break lobbying rules” by Paul Demko in Politics in Minnesota.

New York: “NY progressives push for public campaign finances” by Michael Gormley in Bloomberg News.

New York: “Campaign finance firepower gathers” by Jimmy Vielkind in the Capitol Confidential.

Lobbying

“Activists Press Corporations to Cut Ties With Presidential Debate Commission” by Janie Lorber in Roll Call.

“Wis. lawmakers sued over emails with conservative group” by The Associated Press in the Chicago Tribune.

Ethics

California: “L.A. Councilman Richard Alarcon and wife ordered to stand trial” by Catherine Saillant in the Los Angeles Times.

Illinois: “Emanuel Revamps City Hall Ethics Board” by Hal Dardick in the Chicago Tribune.

Campaigns and elections

“Obama, on track to raise $1 billion, came close to that in 2008”  by Matea Gold in the Los Angeles Times.

“Jim Lehrer on criticism of his recurring debate-moderator role: ‘It’s a rough, rough world’” by Andrew Beaujon in Poynter.org.

“Daily Ad Track” by Abby Livingston in Roll Call.

“Zac Efron, Leonardo DiCaprio and Selena Gomez all want you to vote for stuff” by Jen Chaney in the Washington Post.

Government Tech and Social Media

“For the Campaigns, Online Debate Response is All About Mobile” by Nick Judd in TechPresident.

“Social media: On the outside looking in at presidential debates” in Politics in Minnesota.

“Code for America Reveals 2013 Partner Cities and Counties” by Sarah Rich in Government Technology.

I first voted in the 1976 Presidential Election—Jimmy Carter vs. Gerald Ford—and have voted in every Presidential election since. In fact, I only missed voting in one election in 1979 when I was in college and did not mail my absentee ballot.

I have not questioned whether I should vote…I just always made sure I did and I made sure I understood the issues and candidates.

So, what am I getting to this month? I want you to vote. Maybe I did not say it correctly. I WANT YOU TO VOTE.

I am not going to go Howard Beale (Movie: Network, 1976). But, I do want you—this country needs you—to study the issues and candidates in your states and cities and review the candidates running for U.S. President between now and November 5th. Get a good night’s sleep and then wake up on November 6th and VOTE, as if your life depended on it.

If you have questions about who is running in the states, check out the State Elections Guide on our website, www.stateandfed.com. We partnered with Stateside Associates to prepare a state-by-state guide on candidates, polling, and contribution guidelines.

Until next month, study the issues. Study the candidates. Study…and be ready to VOTE.

With the presidential and vice presidential debates coming, the news outlets are pulling up all kinds of footage of key moments from debates of the past. You can see bits of the Kennedy/Nixon debate, rediscover the best verbal zaps from Ronald Reagan, and choose your own favorite gaffes that candidates have made. Don’t miss Sen. Lloyd Bentsen telling Sen. Dan Quayle, “You’re no Jack Kennedy.” Have fun with these…

“Will You Smile or Cringe? It Depends.” by Leslye Davis, Jon Huang and Alexis Mainland in The New York Times.

“Presidential Debate Moments” video montage by David Frank in The New York Times.

“The Goofs and Gaffes in Presidential Debates” by Albert R. Hunt in The New York Times.

“The mistakes candidates make in debates” by Julian Zelizer in CNN Opinion.

“Top 8 Debate Zingers” by Sophie Quinton in National Journal.

“Debate ‘zingers’ over the years” by Bill Lambrecht in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

“Ten most memorable moments from presidential debates” in the San Francisco Chronicle’s Politics Blog.

YouTube is making it very easy for anyone to follow the presidential debates in the coming weeks. For the first time, YouTube will offer the streaming video on their Elections Hub. Their blog lists other YouTube channels where viewers can find commentary and analysis. Here is the news release from the Official YouTube Blog post “The 2012 Presidential and Vice Presidential Debates, live on YouTube” by Olivia Ma.

For more news coverage, be sure to read:

“YouTube to live stream Presidential debates for the first time this month” in The Next Web.

“YouTube to livestream United States presidential, vice-presidential debates (Video)” by Andrew Moran in the Examiner.

Campaign Finance

“‘Dark money’ flowing back to issue ads” by Kevin Bogardus in The Hill.

Arizona:  “Ex-aide charged with stealing Ariz. campaign cash” by The Associated Press in Tucson News Now.

California: “California voters rejecting change to campaign financing” by The Associated Press in the Mercury News.

Iowa: “Charges dropped in Iowa campaign contribution case” in the Muscatine Journal.

Texas: “PAC wants state approval for text donations” by Dave Nyczepir in Campaigns & Elections.

Lobbying

“New report outlines N.J. lawmakers’ use of controversial ALEC group” by Salvador Rizzo in the Star-Ledger.

Ethics

Pennsylvania: “In Pa., Where’s the Payback?” by Craig R. McCoy in the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Rhode Island: “Ethics commission sets hearing on disclosure of paid trips for officials” by Philip Marcelo in the Providence Journal.

Technology and Social Media

“What Facebook’s Planning for the First Romney-Obama Debate” by Michael Catalini in the National Journal.

New Jersey: “New Jersey Mulls Ad-Powered Websites” in Government Technology.

Kentucky:  “Ky. house candidate admits error in email” by The Associated Press in the Bangor Daily News.

Elections

“State probe looms for firm registering GOP voters” by Elisabeth Arriero in the Charlotte Observer.

Governor Bob McDonnell has set a special election for December 18, 2012 to fill the 89th District House of Delegates seat.

The seat was held by Delegate Kenneth Alexander, who ran unopposed for the state senate seat previously held by the late Senator Yvonne Miller.

The 2012 electoral map continues to take shape and with 40 days until the election, both campaigns are working hard in swing states to gain as much ground as possible. A slew of polls have come out over the past couple of days that have painted a decidedly grim picture for Governor Romney’s chances of winning in November.

A Quinnipiac/CBS News/New York Times poll of three swing states (Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania) shows President Obama has crossed the 50 percent threshold in all three states. Obama leads Romney 53 percent to 44 percent in Florida, 53 percent to 43 percent  in Ohio, and 54 percent to 42 percent  in Pennsylvania. Similarly, a Washington Post poll shows the President breaking the 50 percent mark leading the race in Florida 51 percent to 47 percent and Ohio 52 percent to 44 percent. (The Washington Post and ABC News have also moved the state of Ohio from toss-up to leans Obama)

Much has been made over the past week about the larger sample size of democrats in a number of polls which could potentially affect results. (See: here, here, and here) A look at independents responses in these polls shows a much tighter race for the coveted votes of those not identifying with any particular base. Rasmussen, Gallup, Survey USA, and Pew polls all show Gov. Romney with either a slight advantage or tie with President Obama among independents.

While polling numbers are a gauge of where the race currently stands, only one number matters on election day; 270. With current polling showing Ohio in President Obama’s column, the Washington Post and ABC News project the President has 255 electoral votes either safely on his side, or leaning his way; while Gov. Romney has only 196. If the President were to win either Florida, or a combination of two or more of the remaining swing states, he would reach the necessary 270 electoral votes needed to win reelection. No republican has ever won the presidency without also winning the state of Ohio, and if Gov. Romney were to lose there, he would likely have to sweep all remaining swing states to have a chance.

Other notes from the trail:

• Rep. David Rivera (R-FL) is being accused by Justin Sternad for secretly running Sternad’s unsuccessful campaign during the democratic primary election for the seat currently held by Rivera. Among the accusations are claims that Rivera steered unreported money to Sternad to run against Joe Garcia who previously lost to Rivera in the general election.
• According to a new Washington Post poll, Senator Sherrod Brown (D) maintains a comfortable lead over State Treasurer Josh Mandel (R) for the Ohio Senate seat currently held by Brown. Brown leads among registered voters 51 percent to 39 percent and 53 percent to 41 percent among likely voters.
• Rep. Todd Akin will definitely appear on the ballot for the Missouri Senate seat after the passing of a September 25 deadline to withdraw from the race. Akin has struggled to raise money since his controversial remarks about “legitimate rape”; however, in recent days a number of conservatives have come to his aid including former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, and possibly South Carolina Senator Jim DeMint.

Lobbying

“K Street Follows Lawmakers Outside the Beltway” by Kate Ackley and Janie Lorber in Roll Call.

“Super PACs get new use — as lobbying arms on Hill” by Dave Levinthal in Politico.

“Report: D.C. lobbyist on ‘The Bachelor’” by Patrick Gavin in Politico.

“Federal court tosses out lawsuit challenging Obama’s lobbyist ban” by Kevin Bogardus in The Hill.

“Judge sentences gambling lobbyist Jennifer Pouncy to 3 years probation” by Sebastian Kitchen in the Montgomery Advertiser.

Campaign Finance

“Report ranks corporate political openness” by Dave Levinthal in Politico.

Ethics

“N.J. Democrats ask ethics commission to look into Christie’s use of GOP video at town hall” by Jenna Portnoy in the Star-Ledger.

Elections and Political Campaigns

“Secretaries of State Still Juggling Politics, Elections” by Louis Jacobson in Governing.

“New voter laws could delay outcome of close elections as states scrutinize provisional ballots” by The Associated Press in the Washington Post.

“U.S. Supreme Court Lets West Virginia Voting Maps Stand” in Governing.

Social Media

“Cities and Counties Try Facebook for Government” by Hilton Collins in Government Technology.

Governor Scott Walker announced the dates of the special elections for a state Senate seat that was recently vacated. Rich Zipperer resigned his seat in 33rd senate district, which represents the Milwaukee area, to serve as Walker’s chief of staff.

The special primary election will take place on November 6 and the general election will take place on December 4. The primary elections will only take place if there are two or more candidates from the same party who declare for the seat.

Two republican candidates have already announced their intentions to run for the Senate seat.

A judge has set October 2, 2012 as the date for a runoff election for a state House primary race.

Two recounts were conducted in the democratic primary for the 5th assembly district between Brandon McGee and Leo Canty.

The second recount resulted in a tie between the two candidates.

Campaign Finance

“Phone Company PAC Funds Campaigns Against Republicans With Customer Overpayments” by Janie Lorber in The Hill.

“Super PAC Influence Falls Short Of Aims” by Neil King, Jr. in The Wall Street Journal.

California: “Measure attacks corporate campaign funds” by Heather Knight in the San Francisco Chronicle.

Iowa: “Iowa sees $29.6 million TV ad inundation” by Jennifer Jacobs in the Austin Post-Bulletin.

Washington: “State watchdog says Owen violated campaign laws” by The Associated Press in The Seattle Times.

Lobbying

Alabama: “Probation sought for ex-lobbyist Jennifer Pouncy in bingo bribery trial” by Kim Chandler in the Birmingham News.

Canada:  “Feds respond to Lobbying Act review, but don’t scrap controversial 20 per cent rule” by Bea Vongdouangchanh in The Hill Times.

North Carolina: “Ethics guidance on legislative staffers and lobbyists” by Mark Binker in WRAL.com.

North Carolina:  “Tillis: Second staffer had relationship with lobbyist” by Mark Binker and Laura Leslie in WRAL.com.

Pennsylvania: “Lobbying.ph updated: which tech orgs spent the most lobbying in Philly so far this year?” by Juliana Reyes in Technically Philly.

Ethics

Michigan:  “Kwame Kilpatrick prosecutor: Bernard Kilpatrick acted to ‘cash in’ on son’s mayoral power” by Gus Burns in the Detroit News.

Political Campaigns

“Obama Campaign Adopts ‘Wet Signature’ to Entice New Voters” in Government Technology.

“Campaign expense list: Beer, limos, Chick-fil-A” by Tarini Parti in Politico.

Open Government and Gov 2.0

“One year later We the People petitioners have mixed reviews” by Joseph Marks in Nextgov.

“Open government partnership marks first anniversary” by Kedar Pavgi in Nextgov.

Canada:  “Alberta gets a ‘D’ in freedom of information audit” by Darcy Henton in the Edmonton Journal.

Lobbying

“Tim Pawlenty to head bank lobbying organization” by Dave Clarke and MJ Lee in Politco.

Florida: “A First For Fla. Lobbyist Conference: A Governor’s Top Aide Gives Input” by Sascha Cordner in WFSU.org.

Kansas:  “Lobbyist spending up nearly 9 percent” by The Associated Press in the Topeka Capital-Journal.

Ethics

Kansas: “Kansas ethics panel fines candidates for posts about fundraisers on Facebook during session” by John Hanna (Associated Press) in The Republic.

Maine:  “LePage and House Democratic leader Emily Cain announce plans to improve state ethics” by Naomi Schalit and John Christie in the Bangor Daily News.

Massachusetts: “Ethics board to inform agencies of nepotism law” by Erin Smith in the Boston Herald.

Oklahoma:“Executive director of Oklahoma state Ethics Commission retires after 25 years on job” by Megan Rolland in The Oklahoman.

Utah: “Legislature hires ethics commission director” by Lee Davidson in the Salt Lake Tribune.

West Virginia: “W.Va. court candidate advocates email disclosures” by Lawrence Messina in the Charleston Gazette.

Campaign Finance

“Money in Politics Never Looked So Pretty” by Miranda Neubauer in TechPresident.

“Campaign finance report cards due” by Dave Levinthal in Politico.

California: “New poll: Hope fades for measure barring political contributions; tax measures are touch-and-go” by Josh Richman in the Contra Costa Times.

Oregon: “Oregon Secretary of State candidates trade tough words over campaign spending limits” by Michelle Cole in The Oregonian.

Vermont: “Dems criticize GOP PAC official for denying, then acknowledging dinner meeting with Brock” by Sam Hemingway in the Burlington Free Press.

Government and Technology

“GovGirl Covers Best of the Web Awards” by Jessica Mulholland in Government Technology.

“Congress launches Congress.gov in beta, doesn’t open the data” by Alex Howard in O’Reilly Radar.

“New search engine offers better access to Congress” by Brett Zongker in The Associated Press.

Elections

“Online Voter Registration Launches in California” by McClatchy Newspapers in Governing.

“Supreme Court rejects LULAC suit seeking to postpone Texas elections” by Greg Stohr in the Star-Telegram.